In 1966, a man named John Denver wrote what has become the quintessential goodbye song for travelers and those about to leave.
“Leaving on a jet plane” has been used in commercials and films and it is one of those songs so easy to listen to and so much fun to cover. Even Peter, Paul, and Mary recorded their version of it.
John was also an actor, environmentalist, and humanitarian.
With a career spanning four decades, his music outlasted many genres and trends and has garnered this man numerous awards for his music.
He is still a beloved figure today and his songs are unmistakable when played on the radio. And proof of his timelessness can be found through the many aspiring musicians who continue to cover his songs.
This is Gail Sophicha. She was eight when this video of her was recorded which should make her about 14 now. Her acoustic cover of “Leaving on a jet plane” is endearing.
Gail is a guitarist from Thailand and has 576k subscribers to her channel.
She has a sweet smile on her face as she begins plucking her guitar. Her voice is light and angelic as she sings the first verse,
“All my bags are packed
I’m ready to go
I’m standin’ here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye”
That oh so familiar melody is soothing and there definitely is nostalgia.
Gail even auditioned on Thailand’s Got Talent.
This was her big break and since then has found her name all across the nation and the world. Her uploads certainly help too. Check out her YouTube channel GelGus. She is quite the talent.
This young lady has the camera presence too. She knows when to smile and she speaks well for someone her age. Looks to be a promising future!
Those tiny hands sure can play those strings.
The notes are crisp and clean, her transitions smooth and progressive. She sings without losing her smile and it is so refreshing to see and listen to. This video has 12k likes and she’s only started her career.
Denver’s songs were born of his love for family and nature.
He was born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. but changed his name after friends urged him as it would suit his musical career better. He took their advice and named himself after his love for his favorite state and eventually moved there.
Who wouldn’t fall in love with a place like this anyway.
Pretty sure Gail would. It might even inspire her to write more songs and record them. Her singing is enchanting and what’s also impressive is her pronunciation of the words.
“So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you’ll wait for me
Hold me like you’ll never let me go”
This Thai sensation has her whole career ahead of her and we cannot wait.
Gail couldn’t have picked a better song too. The tempo is just right for her to showcase her guitar playing skills and coupled with her sweet voice, brings out the simplicity of John Denver’s classic masterpiece. Her musical path will only continue to expand and she will grow in to her own style and for that, the world is waiting.
Click on the video below and let Gail serenade you.
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Source: YouTube, John Denver, Gail Sophicha
